Famous people and celebrities who died in May 2001

This page is dedicated to commemorating the celebrities and famous people who passed away in May 2001. This month marked the loss of influential and beloved figures whose contributions spanned various fields and touched many lives. Explore our detailed list to remember and celebrate their enduring legacies and the remarkable impact they had on the world

May 3 Billy Higgins
Renowned jazz drummer who collaborated with many legendary musicians and was a significant figure in the West Coast jazz scene.
May 4 Bonnie Lee Bakley
American model, wife of robert blake (b. 1956)
May 5 Clifton Hillegass
Founder of CliffsNotes, the popular study guide series that helped millions of students understand complex literature. His educational resource became a cultural phenomenon in academic circles.
May 5 Morris Graves
Prominent American modernist painter associated with the Pacific Northwest School, known for mystical and symbolic nature-inspired artworks.
May 5 Raymond Kessler
American midget wrestler
May 7 Jacques de Bourbon-Busset
French author and politician who played a notable role in French intellectual and political circles during the mid-20th century.
May 8 Koby Mandell
Israeli-american terror victim (born in 1987).
May 9 James E Myers
American producer (born 1919), and songwriter (rock around the clock).
May 10 Sudhakarrao Naik
Prominent Indian politician who served as the 13th Chief Minister of Maharashtra, playing a significant role in state governance during the late 20th century.
May 11 Douglas Adams
Douglas Adams was a renowned British author who revolutionized science fiction comedy with his iconic 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' series, blending absurdist humor with profound philosophical insights about life, the universe, and everything.
May 12 Alexei Tupolev
Alexei Tupolev was a prominent Russian aerospace engineer who designed the Tupolev Tu-144, a pioneering supersonic passenger aircraft often compared to the Concorde.
May 12 Perry Como
Perry Como was a renowned American singer known for hits like 'Catch a Falling Star'.
May 13 Jason Miller
American playwright and actor (d. 2001).
May 14 Paul Bénichou
Distinguished French intellectual, literary critic, and historian who made significant contributions to literary scholarship and cultural analysis.
May 16 Brian Pendleton
English singer (the pretty things), (born 1944).
May 17 Frank G Slaughter
Frank G. Slaughter was a prolific American physician who became a renowned novelist, writing numerous medical and historical fiction books that gained significant popularity in the mid-20th century.
May 18 Irene Hunt
American author best known for her novel 'Up a Road Slowly', which won the prestigious Newbery Medal for children's literature in 1967.
May 19 Alexey Maresyev
Legendary Russian World War II fighter pilot, famous for his extraordinary courage and resilience after losing both legs in combat.
May 19 Susannah McCorkle
American jazz singer. she is prolific, but not very commercially successful. mccorkle was warm, funny, and brainy. she belonged to a select group of american singers that performed in the most prestigious rooms and recorded 19 albums. they also enjoyed over two decades of critical acclaim and the love of their fans all around the globe. mccorkle's music was intimate …
May 20 Renato Carosone
Renato Carosone was a legendary Italian musician who revolutionized Neapolitan music with his unique blend of jazz, swing, and traditional Neapolitan songs. He was a pivotal figure in Italian popular music of the mid-20th century.
May 26 Dona Massin
Canadian actress and choreographer (b. 1917)
May 26 Moven Mahachi
Zimbabwean soldier and politician, zimbabwean minister of defence (b. 1952)
May 26 Anne Haney
American actress (born 1934).
May 28 Francisco Varela
Renowned Chilean neuroscientist and philosopher who made groundbreaking contributions to understanding consciousness, cognitive science, and autopoiesis.
May 28 Joe Moakley
Respected Democratic congressman from Massachusetts known for his integrity, community service, and significant contributions to local infrastructure and federal projects.
May 28 Francis Bebey
Cameroonian-French novelist, musician, and cultural figure who made significant contributions to African arts.
May 30 Denis Whitaker
Canadian military general who served with distinction, later became a successful businessman and football player with notable achievements.
May 31 Arlene Francis
Arlene Francis was a prominent American television personality and actress, best known for her long-standing role on the popular game show 'What's My Line'. She hosted her own daily New York interview program for 23 years and was renowned for her charm, wit, and elegance.